Did you miss our Countdown to Kindness? There’s still time to get involved.
Article by VODA volunteer, Ellie Avery
Why not make volunteering your New Year’s resolution for 2026? Each day between Christmas and New Year, we shared a range of volunteering opportunities as part of our Countdown to Kindness on the North Tyneside Volunteer Centre Facebook page – highlighting roles to suit different interests, skills and availability.
Below is a round-up of the opportunities we featured across the week.
Day One: Community Volunteering
Volunteering in your local community is a great way to see positive change happen around you. These roles are well-suited to people who enjoy meeting others and helping to build a sense of belonging in their local area.
Good Neighbours – Odd Jobs Team Volunteer
Help with everyday tasks for people who need a helping hand, such as changing a lightbulb, setting up shelves or hanging curtains. Small jobs that make a big difference.
Find out more here.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT) – Community Builder
Talk to parents in the community to understand what they need, encourage volunteering, promote events and champion NCT values.
Find out more here.
Teakisi – Community Worker
Support outreach events, workshops and campaigns, while raising awareness of Teakisi in the local community.
Find out more here.
Day Two: Evening, Weekend and Flexible Roles
These roles are ideal for people with limited time or who work during the week.
Whitley Bay Big Local – Reception Volunteer
Help welcome visitors, guide people to rooms and answer enquiries on the telephone. Mainly evenings and weekends, with flexibility.
Find out more here.
PeerTalk – Volunteer Facilitator
Lead peer support groups for adults experiencing stress, anxiety or distress. Meetings usually take place in the evenings, with a minimum commitment of four meetings over three months. Roles are available in Whitley Bay and North Shields.
Find out more here for North Shields.
Find out more here for Whitley Bay
National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) – Independent Visitor
Provide friendship and support to a young person in care. A commitment of a few hours once per month for a minimum of two years is required.
Find out more here.
Day Three: Befriending Roles
Befriending roles are ideal for empathetic people who enjoy one-to-one connections. The relationships you build can be just as rewarding for you as they are for the people you support.
HostNation – Befriender
Offer friendship to refugees and asylum seekers, help them explore the city and feel welcome.
Find out more here.
Marie Curie – Befriender
Visit someone weekly in their home to chat, share stories and offer companionship to them and their family.
Find out more here.
MHA Communities North Tyneside – Befriender
Support older people who may be isolated or housebound, either in person or over the telephone.
Find out more here.
Day Four: Outdoor and Nature-Based Roles
Perfect for nature lovers, these roles offer fresh air, green spaces and the chance to support environmental projects.
Wild Oysters Project – Volunteer
Get involved in conservation work to help restore wild oysters to our oceans. No experience needed. Activities include surveying marine life at Sunderland Marina.
Find out more here.
St Oswald’s Hospice – Gardening Volunteer
Help maintain outdoor spaces at the Gosforth site, including planting, weeding, composting and general groundskeeping.
Find out more here.
The Hub – Garden Volunteer
Support the community garden in North Shields, a welcoming space open to everyone. Days and times are flexible.
Find out more here.
Day Five: Mentoring Roles
Mentoring is a powerful way to give back by supporting someone’s confidence, skills and wellbeing.
Friends Action North East (FANE) – 1-to-1 Friendship Mentor
Support a person with a learning disability and/or autism to build friendships and take part in community activities. Meetings take place weekly or fortnightly.
Find out more here.
The Girls’ Network – Volunteer Mentor
Be matched with a girl from a less advantaged background and act as a positive female role model.
Find out more here.
Hoodex – Volunteer Mentor
Work with young people aged 13–22 who may be at risk of offending. No prior experience is needed, just empathy and an open mind.
Find out more here.
Day Six: Youth Volunteering
These roles involve working with children and young people, offering the chance to make a positive impact early on in someone’s life.
National Trust – Children and Young People Volunteer
Support activities and workshops at Seaton Delaval Hall, helping young people connect with nature.
Find out more here.
Whitley Bay and District Scouts – Scouts Volunteer
Help young people aged 4–18 learn new skills through fun and engaging activities.
Find out more here.
Family Gateway – Primary School Reader
Support primary school children with their reading skills by listening and encouraging them as they read.
Find out more here.
Final Day: Group Volunteering Roles
On the final day of our Countdown to Kindness, we shared roles that involve supporting small groups – a great way to make new connections while helping others.
Men’s Pie Club – Pie Club Leader
Help organise the group and provide a friendly welcome. The Men’s Pie Club supports men experiencing poor mental health or loneliness through weekly pie-making and socialising.
Find out more here.
Stroke North – Group Volunteer
Assist group members, help set up activities and make refreshments. These groups offer a safe and welcoming space for people affected by stroke.
Find out more here.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT) – Bumps and Babies Volunteer
Support parents at the North Shields group by welcoming attendees, making drinks and helping set up and tidy away toys.
Find out more here.
We weren’t able to include all of the volunteering opportunities available – there are over 150 roles to choose from. The examples above highlight just some of the variety on offer.
If you’d like to explore more opportunities, browse our volunteer database here.
If you do make volunteering your 2026 resolution, we’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to share your volunteering experiences on social media and help spread the kindness.
